What’s up this month?
- About Wincanton Cares
- The Seven Strands
- Sight Problems
- Hearing Problems
- Loveliest of Trees
About Wincanton Cares
We launched at the end of January this year in Wincanton Health Centre, in the Library, the Methodist Hall and in the Balsam Centre and we received so many relieved comments from people who are finding it difficult to make sense of the numerous organisations who are offering much needed care in the community. if you are a carer, whether a ‘micro-provider’ (a paid carer), someone who cares for someone for love, for compassion or neighbourliness or if you are someone who is cared for or would like help, please call or contact us. We have a most helpful Project Officer, professional Carers and volunteers who all want to help if they can. Please reach out to us. We aim to connect people with what they need – for care, for support or information. And we are always looking for volunteers who can offer their time or talents in a range of different ways but particularly befriending the lonely or unpaid carers who desperately need a little bit of time to themselves.
Need to get in touch? Phone Wincanton Cares Project Officer, Annette, on 07756 759741 or email us: info@wincantoncares.org. You can contact Wincanton Cares on 07834 597893 or go to the contact page on our website where you can find a form to fill in and submit.
The Seven Strands
- We want to help people find the paid care that will let them stay in their own homes, avoid social isolation and stay physically and mentally well.
- We want to improve IT support to tackle ‘digital poverty’ for everyone including carers as well as those cared for.
- We want people to know where they can go to ask for help including how to get care.
- We want to encourage more people to volunteer, befriend and look out for those who are lonely and friendless.
- We would like to develop Wincanton’s understanding of anyone with dementia.
- We want to support all those who are unpaid carers supporting family, friends and neighbours.
- Anyone who feels the need for emotional or wellbeing support is welcome to contact us. 07834 597893 www.wincantoncares.org
Do you have Trouble Seeing?
The aim of Somerset Sight is to provide services, training and leisure activities that will help maintain independence and improve the quality of life of anyone who is affected by sight loss. They offer support when the frightening time when loss of sight is first suspected and beyond, showing that you are not alone. They can offer practical and emotional support when it is needed. They have no waiting lists.
They offer mobile support around the County. In South Somerset and you can find them:
- In Wincanton at Morrisons on Tuesday 19th March 10.30-3.30
- In Bruton at Budgens on Monday 26th February and Monday 8th April 10.30-12.30
- In Castle Cary in Millbrook Car Park on 26th February and 8th April 1.30-3.30
- At Yeovil Hospital on Wednesday 28th February, Wednesday 27th March and Thursday 25th April from 10.30-3.30.
Somerset Sight also offer one to one visits.
For more information go to their site. Phone 01823 333818 or email: admin@somersetsight.org.uk
Do you have Trouble Hearing?
Ask the Wincanton Health Centre for a referral to the Nurse at Queen Camel Health Centre for ear wax removal. This is FREE. Please remember that good and up-to-date hearing aids are FREE on the NHS.
OR – Boots have an online test to find out your level of hearing. Go to this site They offer free (15 minute) ear health checks. Our nearest Boots Branch for a hearing test is in Yeovil. 0345 70 1600 For Ear Wax removal they charge £60
Please note that Wincanton lost our High Street branch of Boots on 22nd February this year. There is a possibility that another pharmacy will open at some point but it will not be immediately. We can use the chemist at Wincanton Health Centre, Dykes Way, BA9 9FQ – 01963 33265 – Open Monday–Friday 8.00 – 18.00 Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
OR – Caroline at No Wax Ear clinic 07444 857 560 enquiries@nowaxear.co.uk to ask for a home visit, advice or to make an appointment at a clinic:
- 1st March 2204 at the Balsam Centre, Wincanton 10am – 4pm
- 4th March at the Bruton Unionist Hall 10am – 4pm
- 6th March at the Grove Building, Church St, Mere BA12 6DS 2pm-8pm Ear wax removal (£50) Ear check (£20)
- No appointment? Just pop into a clinic for some quick advice.
Poetry Corner
Lovliest of Trees by A E Houseman
Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with blossom on the bough,
And stands about the woodland ride
Wearing white for Eastertide.
Now, of my threescore years and ten,
Twenty will not come again,
And take from seventy springs a score,
It only leaves me fifty more.
And since to look at things in bloom
Fifty springs are little room
About the woodlands I will go
To see the cherry hung with snow.
And finally. If you need help right now:
Or contact us on 07834 597893 and visit the website
